Indian diplomat defends Modi's press conference avoidance

A senior Indian diplomat has defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent avoidance of open press conferences, framing it as a successful political strategy rooted in direct voter engagement. The defense came during Modi’s official visit to New Zealand on July 10 and 11, when a journalist in Auckland asked why the prime minister had not held a press conference.

Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary East in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, responded that it was not appropriate for him, as a civil servant, to question the prime minister’s political methods. He then offered context, describing Modi as a quintessential Indian politician who favors direct contact with the electorate. Tandon stated that India’s voters, whom he characterized as predominantly rural, prefer this direct engagement and dislike being spoken to through intermediaries. He argued that Modi has perfected this art of direct contact, citing his electoral success and current third term in office as evidence of its effectiveness.

The exchange in New Zealand marks the second time in less than two months that Modi’s communication style has been questioned by journalists during a foreign tour. A similar incident...